New Haircut and Grandparents Breakfast

Yes, that is a new haircut Longji is sporting (you can see the bald spot at his hairline); however, we did not pay for it. There seems to be a rising star in the field of cosmetology in his classroom. He does not know her name, but he can tell me where she sits in his class. Of course nobody will admit to it...He is still a cutie!

On a better note, he had his first official Grandparents Breakfast today and it seemed to be a delightful event for all parties involved. We got good reports from the grandparents and Longji told John and me that he liked eating with them today at school. He wants to eat with them or Mama and Baba every day.

Longji has reached his 100 checks this week for doing chores and helping out around the house. When he gets to 100 (which usually takes about four weeks) he gets to pick out a toy. It is hilarious watching him look at every toy in such detail to find the perfect one. When I think about it, he did not have six years of going to places like Walmart, Target or Toys-R-Us to pick out toys. He has a lot of kid-stuff to make up for, so we try not to rush such major decisions.

Chinese school is going well. He seems to like it, but he still won't talk to John and I or teach us anything in Mandarin. In time we think he will be more comfortable with it.

Principal's Office, China Belly and Texas Storms

We have been crazy busy here in the Laymon household since school started a few weeks ago. I wanted to jump online quickly tonight to post a few updates. Overall, I would say Longji is doing very well; however, we have had a few incidences at school with him being a little too aggressive...supposedly. Oh, and one visit to the principal's office. Apparently, another little boy hit Longji in the face with a lunch bag and Longji retaliated with a kung fu kick! Probably not the best decision on his part, but at the same time, you can't blame a six year old boy for reacting in such a way. You certainly can't expect to send a six year old from China (only home 3 1/2 months) to the principal's office for a mid afternoon lecture...he has no clue! So John and I have taken an active role in explaining these social situations with Longji by acting out different scenarios. We haven't received any e-mails from the teacher lately so we think this is working a bit.

The other night, the little man decided to bring up mamas and their bellies. He lifted his shirt and pointed to his belly button and said something about a baby in the belly. He then moved to my chair and placed his head on my lap mumbling something about being in Mama's belly (my belly). I, of course, could not respond so John quickly stepped in and gave him an easy, understandable explanation which ended with "My from China belly?" Meanwhile, Jordyn is giving me the eye to see if I am going to break down and cry. I am sure this is not the end of the "China belly" conversation...

I will end on the great Texas storm we had last night. Yes, the one that kept all of us up very late and into the morning. Jackson whined all night and we found one scared little man sitting in his bed, eyes wide open and whining alone in his room. I just knew he would eventually make his way into our room and then it dawned on me, he may be too scared to leave his bed. Sure enough, he was. John rescued him and brought him back to our room. Yes, we let him stay for the rest of the night and a miserable night it was. It was well worth it though. He gives the best hugs and is the cutest little sleepy-head I have ever known. I kind of enjoyed our night together in the bed. He is a squirmy worm and I couldn't do it every night, but I figure I have six years to make up for so I can give up a night's sleep for his comfort.

He is such a blessing...